Indian Railways is planning to enhance the performance of older passenger trains by deploying pairs of 6,000-horsepower electric locomotives in a push-pull configuration, giving each train set a combined power output of 12,000 HP.
The move is part of the Railways’ plan to increase the use of newer locomotives that offer improved energy efficiency and lower noise levels. The push-pull arrangement is expected to enable smoother and faster operation of older passenger trains without requiring an immediate replacement of their existing coaches.
Under the proposed arrangement, one locomotive will operate at the front of the train while another will be positioned at the rear. The configuration is designed to provide traction from both ends, helping improve acceleration and overall train handling, particularly for longer passenger services.
Senior railway officials said the procurement of the newer high-power locomotives is aimed at improving the operational performance of trains while also reducing energy consumption and noise levels. The approach would allow older rakes to benefit from more efficient locomotive technology.
The plan comes as Indian Railways continues to modernise its locomotive fleet and improve the speed and efficiency of passenger services. Rather than replacing every older train rake with a completely new train set, the push-pull system provides an alternative way to upgrade their operating performance through newer traction technology.
The 6,000-HP locomotives used in pairs would provide the equivalent of 12,000 HP to a train, allowing faster acceleration and smoother movement. The arrangement is particularly relevant for trains where improvements in locomotive performance can help reduce journey times and improve operational efficiency.
Indian Railways has already been expanding its use of high-power electric locomotives. The 12,000-HP WAG-12B, for example, is a twin-section electric locomotive used primarily for heavy freight operations, while the latest passenger-train proposal involves two separate 6,000-HP locomotives working together in a push-pull formation.
The proposed procurement therefore represents another step towards upgrading the performance of the existing passenger fleet, while making greater use of energy-efficient and higher-powered electric traction.
